Unique global identifier header for minimizing prank 911 calls

ABSTRACT

A prank call server that performs 911 prank call filtering over a 911 emergency call system, prior to routing a 911 call to a PSAP. The inventive prank call server identifies prank calling devices, regardless of current service subscription, by retrieving and analyzing emergency call data pertaining to detected prank 911 calls. The prank call server assigns a unique global identifier to each 911 call detected on the 911 emergency call system. Unique global identifiers enable a PSAP to uniquely identify prank 911 calls that are identified thereon. A PSAP transmits a prank call signal and a relevant unique global identifier to the prank call server, for each prank 911 call that is detected. A prank call signal/unique global identifier combination triggers the prank call server to store all available call data for a referenced prank 911 call in to a prank call database, for subsequent prank call filtering analysis.

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/632,313, entitled “Unique Global Identifier Header for MinimizingPrank Emergency 911 Calls”, to Goswami et al., filed on Oct. 1, 2012;which claims priority from U.S. Provisional No. 61/541,615, entitled“Unique Global Identifier Header for Minimizing Prank Emergency 911Calls”, to Goswami et al., filed Sep. 30, 2011; the entirety of both ofwhich are explicitly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to telecommunications. Moreparticularly, it relates to distributed Emergency Call Systems.

2. Background of Related Art

A 911 emergency call system bridges local government entities and callservice providers, to route 911 voice calls to proper emergency dispatchpersonnel.

In particular, the 911 emergency call system routes a 911 voice call toa Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) (i.e. a 911 dispatcher/emergencycall center) to administer proper emergency services. The 911 emergencycall system preferably routes a 911 voice call to a Public SafetyAnswering Point (PSAP) within closest geographic proximity to anoriginating communication device.

FIG. 5 demonstrates a conventional 911 call system call flow.

In particular, a 911 voice call is placed via an originatingcommunication device (e.g. a landline communication device, a wirelesscommunication device, etc.), as depicted in step 500. In step 510, acall service provider servicing the originating communication devicedetects that a 911 voice call has been placed. If the originatingcommunication device is not able to be serviced by an affiliated callservice provider (e.g. the communication device is outside the servicejurisdiction of an affiliated call service provider, the communicationdevice is not subscribed to any service(s) provided by a call serviceprovider, etc.), 911 call processing is defaulted to a call serviceprovider servicing a geographic location established for the originatingcommunication device. In step 520, an applicable call service providerroutes the detected 911 voice call to an appropriate Public SafetyAnswering Point (PSAP) via conventional call routing procedures. In step530, the detected 911 voice call is received on an appropriate PublicSafety Answering Point (PSAP), and emergency service personnel arethereby dispatched accordingly.

Enhanced 911 (E911) is a reformed version of the 911 emergency callsystem, employed in response to advancements achieved in currentcommunication technologies. In particular, Enhanced 911 (E911) providesaccurate 911 call routing services to a wide array of previouslyunsupported communication devices (e.g. wireless devices, VoIP devices,etc.) In operation, Enhanced 911 retrieves E911 voice information andrelevant emergency call data (e.g. a subscriber number and a geographiclocation) pertaining to each E911 voice call that is detected. Relevantcall data is subsequently routed to an appropriate Public SafetyAnswering Point (PSAP).

Wireless Enhanced 911 is a particular denomination of Enhanced 911,responsible for routing 911 voice calls originated on a wirelesscommunication device. Wireless Enhanced 911 identifies a MobileSubscriber Identification Number (MSIN) and a current geographiclocation for each device that is party to a Wireless E911 voice call.Accordingly, an associated MSIN/geographic location combination isrouted to an appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) with eachWireless E911 call that is detected.

A Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (MSIN) identifying anoriginating 911 calling device is retrieved for Wireless E911 callprocessing via an Automatic Number Identification (ANI) Service.

In particular, a unique Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (MSIN)is assigned to each communication device that is subscribed toservice(s) administered by a wireless/call service provider.Furthermore, each instantiation of a Mobile Subscriber IdentificationNumber (MSIN) to a particular communication device is recorded in adatabase maintained by the Automatic Number Identification (AM) service.

FIG. 6 conveys a conventional use of an Automatic Number Identification(ANI) service within a Wireless E911 call system call flow.

In particular, a Wireless E911 call is detected upon the 911 emergencycall system, as depicted in step 600. Upon detection, the AutomaticNumber Identification (ANI) service retrieves a Mobile SubscriberIdentification Number (MSIN) stored for an originating communicationdevice, as depicted in step 610. Once retrieved, the Automatic NumberIdentification (ANI) service transmits the Mobile SubscriberIdentification Number (MSIN) to a wireless service provideradministering E911 call routing, as shown in step 620. The MobileSubscriber Identification Number (MSIN) is subsequently received on anappropriate wireless service provider and forwarded to a Public SafetyAnswering Point (PSAP), as conveyed in step 630. The Mobile SubscriberIdentification Number (MSIN) is thereafter received on a Public SafetyAnswering Point (PSAP) and emergency service personnel are therebydispatched accordingly, as depicted in step 640.

A geographic location may be determined for an originating communicationdevice via an active location service (e.g. GPS) residing on the callinghandset. Moreover, a geographic location for an originatingcommunication device may alternatively be determined based upon thelocation of a base station servicing a corresponding E911 call. Alocation for an originating communication device is conventionally usedto route an E911 call to an appropriate Public Safety Answering Point(i.e. a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) within closest geographicproximity to an originating communication device). Furthermore, ageographic location for an originating communication device promotesefficient dispersal of emergency services when routed to a Public SafetyAnswering Point (PSAP) administering E911 call dispatching.

According to a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandate, allwireless devices must be permitted access to 911 emergency callservices, regardless of current service subscription. Thus, the 911emergency call system must be capable of detecting and routing 911 voicecalls placed via wireless devices that are disconnected from service.

A geographic location for a disconnected wireless device may bedetermined for E911 call processing via conventionalhandset-based/network-based device location techniques. Yet, a source ofan E911 voice call originated on a disconnected wireless device is noteasily identifiable. In particular, a wireless device that isdisconnected from service is not attributed a Mobile SubscriberIdentification Number (MSIN) corresponding to a particular subscriberaccount. Therefore, identification of a 911 calling party may not beautomatically obtained via the Automatic Number Identification (ANI)service. Moreover, it is not possible to accurately ascertain theownership of a disconnected wireless device. Hence, 911 calls that areplaced via a disconnected wireless device are fundamentally anonymous.

To reduce anonymity, wireless service providers often designatearbitrary number identifiers (e.g. MSIN, IMSI, etc.) to wireless devicesthat are not subscribed to service. An arbitrary number identifier isrouted to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for each E911 voicecall that is originated on a corresponding wireless device.

Unfortunately, the 911 emergency call system is currently afflicted withprank 911 calls originating on wireless devices that are disconnectedfrom service.

Presently, the only information that is obtainable for an E911 voicecall placed via a disconnected wireless device, is a geographic locationand an arbitrary number identifier. Although a means of filtering prank911 calls would be useful, prank 911 calls placed via disconnectedwireless devices may not be filtered based solely upon an arbitrarynumber identifier (e.g. MSIN, IMSI, etc.) assigned to an originatingcommunication device. First, a number identifier assigned to adisconnected wireless device is not guaranteed to be unique.Furthermore, a disconnected wireless device may change hands at anygiven time, e.g., a device may be sold, borrowed, traded, etc.Therefore, it is possible, e.g., that a non-prank caller may purchase adisconnected wireless device with a number identifier depicting a deviceused to generate prank 911 calls. In this case, if a prank 911 callplaced via a disconnected wireless device is filtered according to adevice's arbitrary number identifier, it is likely that a non-prankcaller may be denied access to E911 emergency call services.

Due to a lack of source information, it is difficult to prevent therouting of prank 911 calls originating on wireless devices that aredisconnected from service. Hence, there is a need for a solution thatmay accurately identify prank 911 calling devices, regardless of currentservice subscription, and filter the routing of 911 calls that areplaced thereon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a method andapparatus to provide 911 prank call filtering over a 911 emergency callsystem comprises transmitting, to a physical prank call server, a prankcall signal associated with a unique global identifier assigned to agiven 911 call, if the given 911 call is detected at a PSAP to be aprank 911 calling device. A prank call database is queried forcorrelation between a calling device of said given 911 call with apre-identified prank calling device. If information maintained withinthe prank call database correlates a detected 911 call with anidentified prank calling device, then the detected prank 911 call isdropped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following description with referenceto the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary network structure for a prank call serverimplemented over the 911 emergency call system, in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 2 demonstrates an exemplary call filtering process performed by aprank call server implemented within the 911 emergency call system, inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 3 portrays exemplary data accumulation performed by the prank callserver for a prank 911 call detected on the 911 emergency call system,in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary call filtering process for a 911 call placedby a communication device that is subscribed to wireless service(s), inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 5 demonstrates a conventional 911 call system call flow.

FIG. 6 conveys a conventional use of the Automatic Number Identification(ANI) service within a Wireless E911 call system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a prank call server that administers 911prank call filtering over a 911 emergency call system. In particular,the inventive prank call server identifies prank calling devices (i.e.devices generating prank 911 calls) by retrieving and analyzingemergency call data (i.e. a subscriber number, an arbitrary numberidentifier, a geographic location, etc.) pertaining to prank 911 callsdetected on the 911 emergency call system.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, theinventive prank call server is implemented during 911 emergency callrouting to prevent 911 calls originated on identified prank callingdevices from being routed to a public safety answering point (PSAP).

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, theinventive prank call server assigns a unique global identifier to each911 call that is detected on the 911 emergency call system. Globalidentifiers attributed to detected 911 voice calls permit a publicsafety answering point (PSAP) to uniquely reference each prank 911 callthat is identified thereon. A public safety answering point (PSAP)transmits a prank call signal and a relevant unique global identifier tothe prank call server, for each prank 911 call that is detected. A prankcall signal/unique global identifier combination, triggers the inventiveprank call server to retrieve emergency call data pertaining to acorresponding prank 911 call. Prank call data is logged in an inventiveprank call database.

The inventive prank call database is queried for each 911 call that isdetected on the 911 emergency call system, in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention. If information maintained withinthe prank call database correlates a detected 911 voice call with anidentified prank calling device, then the detected 911 voice call isdropped, and corresponding call data is logged in the prank calldatabase for subsequent call filtering analysis.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary network structure for a prank call serverimplemented over the 911 emergency call system, in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

In particular, a prank call server 110 is integrated within the 911emergency call system 100 to mitigate the volume of prank 911 callsrouted to a public safety answering point (PSAP) 120. A public safetyanswering point (PSAP) 120 transmits a prank call signal and a relevantunique global identifier to the prank call server 110, each instance aprank 911 call is detected.

The inventive prank call server 110 utilizes a prank call database 130to store data pertaining to prank 911 calls detected on the 911emergency call system 100. The prank call server 110 additionallyqueries the prank call database 130 to determine if emergency call dataretrieved for a detected 911 voice call, corresponds to informationstored for an identified prank calling device. The prank call server 110utilizes information compiled within the prank call database 130 toperform 911 prank call filtering, prior to routing a 911 voice call to apublic safety answering point (PSAP) 120.

In a preferred embodiment, a prank calls and caller audit system 140 isimplemented to provide a user interface to the prank call database 130.In particular, a prank calls and caller audit system 140 preferablypermits an authoritative entity (e.g. a law enforcement officer, anemergency call dispatcher, etc.) to view and/or modify (e.g. add and/ordelete) prank call data maintained within the prank call database 130.

FIG. 2 demonstrates an exemplary call filtering process performed by aprank call server implemented within the 911 emergency call system, inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

In particular, a 911 voice call is detected on the 911 emergency callsystem, as depicted in step 200. Upon detection, the inventive prankcall server designates a unique global identifier to the 911 call, asshown in step 210. In step 220, the prank call server queries the prankcall database, using conventional emergency call data (i.e. a subscribernumber, an arbitrary number identifier, a geographic location, etc.)retrieved for the detected 911 voice call. The prank call database isqueried to determine if call data pertaining to the 911 voice callcorrelates with data stored for an identified prank calling device.

If the query to the prank call database (performed in step 220)indicates that the 911 voice call is originated on an identified prankcalling device (step 230), the 911 call is dropped, as depicted in step240. Relevant emergency call data is subsequently logged in theinventive prank call database, as shown in step 250.

Alternatively, if the query to the prank call database (performed instep 220) does not indicate that the 911 call is originated on anidentified prank calling device (step 230), the 911 call and an assignedunique global identifier are routed to an appropriate public safetyanswering point (PSAP), as shown in step 260.

FIG. 3 portrays exemplary data accumulation performed by the prank callserver for a prank 911 call detected on the 911 emergency call system,in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In particular, a 911 voice call and a unique global identifier arereceived on a public safety answering point (PSAP), as depicted in step300. If the 911 call (received in step 300) is not a prank 911 call(step 310), the public safety answering point (PSAP) performsconventional 911 call dispatching services, as depicted in step 320.

Alternatively, if the 911 call (received in step 300) is a prank 911call (step 310), the public safety answering point (PSAP) transmits apredetermined prank call signal and a corresponding unique globalidentifier to the prank call server, as depicted in step 330. Uponreceipt, the prank call server retrieves all information available tothe 911 emergency call system for the 911 call referenced by thereceived unique global identifier, as depicted in step 340. The prankcall server subsequently logs all data retrieved for the prank 911 callin to the prank call database, as depicted in step 350.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the prankcall server may identify prank calling devices for the performance of911 prank call filtering, regardless of a particular device's currentservice subscription. In particular, 911 calls generated on prankcalling devices that are affiliated with a particular subscriberaccount, may be filtered via a corresponding subscriber identificationnumber, e.g., MSIN, IMSI, etc. Alternatively, calls generated on prankcalling devices that are not subscribed to service, may be identifiedvia prank call trends and prank call history, established/accumulatedwithin the inventive prank call database.

Communication devices that are subscribed to service(s) provided by awireless/call service provider are assigned a unique mobile subscriberidentification number (MSIN), corresponding to a particular subscriberaccount. In a particular embodiment, once a communication deviceaffiliated with a wireless/call service provider has exceeded a maximumnumber of permissible prank 911 calls, that particular communicationdevice is classified as an identified prank calling device.Consequently, when the 911 emergency call system detects that a mobilesubscriber identification number (MSIN) retrieved for an originatingcommunication device, matches a mobile subscriber identification number(MSIN) stored for an identified prank calling device, the 911 call isdropped, thereby blocking the prank calling device from accessing 911emergency call services.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary call filtering process for a 911 call placedby a communication device that is subscribed to wireless service(s), inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

In particular, a 911 call is detected on the 911 emergency call system,as depicted in step 400. Upon detection, the prank call server assignsthe 911 call a unique global identifier, as shown in step 410. In step420, the automatic number identification (ANI) service retrieves amobile subscriber identification number (MSIN) affiliated with anoriginating communication device. In step 430, the prank call serverqueries the prank call database to determine if the mobile subscriberidentification number (MSIN) identified for the originatingcommunication device, matches a mobile subscriber identification number(MSIN) stored for an identified prank calling device. If the query tothe prank call database indicates a match (step 440), the detected 911voice call is dropped and corresponding emergency call data is logged inthe prank call database, as depicted in step 450. Alternatively, if thequery to the prank call database does not indicate a match (step 440),the relevant 911 call and a corresponding unique global identifier arerouted to an appropriate public safety answering point (PSAP), asdepicted in step 460.

Alternatively, wireless devices that are disconnected from service arenot assigned a mobile subscriber identification number (MSIN)corresponding to a particular subscriber account. Yet, wireless serviceproviders often designate arbitrary number identifiers (e.g. MSIN, IMSI,etc.) to disconnected wireless devices, to aid 911 emergency callprocessing.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, anoriginating geographic location (e.g. exact geographic coordinates,cell-tower information, PIDF-LO, etc.) and an arbitrary numberidentifier (e.g. MSIN, IMSI, etc.) are stored in the prank calldatabase, for prank 911 calls placed by wireless devices withoutsubscription to wireless/call service(s). Prank call trends may then beidentified based upon geographic location/arbitrary number identifiercombinations maintained within the prank call database. For instance, ifan arbitrary number identifier and a geographic location retrieved for a911 call detected on the 911 emergency call system, are both stored incombination in the prank call database, then the prank call serverrecognizes that the 911 call has been originated on an identified prankcalling device, and the 911 call is dropped. Relevant emergency calldata is then stored in the prank call database for future call filteringanalysis.

Furthermore, if multiple prank 911 calls originating from variousgeographic locations, are affiliated with the same arbitrary numberidentifier (i.e. the calling device is moving), then all callsaffiliated with that particular arbitrary number identifier may beblocked for a given period of time.

Being that wireless devices that are disconnected from service maychange hands at any given time (e.g. a device may be sold, borrowed,traded, etc.), a geographic location/arbitrary number identifiercombination stored in the prank call database for a particulardisconnected wireless device, should expire after a given period oftime. Requiring prank call data stored for disconnected wireless devicesto expire, may potentially prevent non-prank callers from being deniedaccess to 911 emergency call services.

In an alternate embodiment, rather than dropping a 911 call originatedon an identified prank calling device, the emergency call routing systemmay alternatively route the particular 911 call to a public safetyanswering point (PSAP), accompanied by an appropriate indicator (i.e.warning). A public safety answering point (PSAP) may then decide on anappropriate punitive action, depending, e.g., on present call volume,911 call policy, etc.

While the invention has been described with reference to the exemplaryembodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will be able to makevarious modifications to the described embodiments of the inventionwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of detecting a prank emergency call,comprising: reporting a first prank emergency call from a given wirelessdevice to a networked physical prank call database; storing a firstcurrent location of said given wireless device initiating said firstprank emergency call, together with a unique global identifier of saidgiven wireless device, in said physical prank call database;subsequently receiving a subsequent emergency call; obtaining asubsequent current location of a subsequent wireless device while makingsaid subsequent emergency call; querying said physical prank calldatabase for a correlation between said subsequent current location andsaid first prank emergency call; and dropping said subsequent emergencycall when a correlation is established between said subsequent currentlocation and said first prank emergency call.
 2. The method of detectinga prank emergency call according to claim 1, wherein: said physicalprank call database is further queried for an additional correlationbetween a unique global identifier and said given wireless device; andsaid subsequent emergency call is dropped when said correlation and saidadditional correlation together indicate a likelihood of said subsequentemergency call being a prank.
 3. The method of detecting a prankemergency call according to claim 1, further comprising: expiring saidreport of said prank emergency call after a predetermined period oftime.
 4. The method of detecting a prank emergency call according toclaim 1, wherein: said given wireless device is identified in saidphysical prank call database with a unique global identifier.
 5. Themethod of detecting a prank emergency call according to claim 1,wherein: said given wireless device is identified in said physical prankcall database with an automatic number identification (ANI) service. 6.The method of detecting a prank emergency call according to claim 1,wherein: said given wireless device is identified in said physical prankcall database with an mobile subscriber identification number (MSIN). 7.The method of detecting a prank emergency call according to claim 1,further comprising: storing emergency call data pertaining to said prankemergency call in said prank call database.
 8. The method of detecting aprank emergency call according to claim 4, further comprising: assigningsaid unique global identifier to said prank emergency call at a 911 callserver.
 9. The method of detecting a prank emergency call according toclaim 1, further comprising: said prank emergency call is a voice call.10. The method of detecting a prank emergency call according to claim 1,wherein: said given wireless device is not subscribed to a wirelesscarrier.
 11. Apparatus for detecting a prank emergency call, comprising:means for reporting a first prank emergency call from a given wirelessdevice to a networked physical prank call database; means for storing afirst current location of said given wireless device initiating saidfirst prank emergency call, together with a unique global identifier ofsaid given wireless device, in said physical prank call database; meansfor subsequently receiving a subsequent emergency call; means forobtaining a subsequent current location of a subsequent wireless devicewhile making said subsequent emergency call; means for querying saidphysical prank call database for a correlation between said subsequentcurrent location and said first prank emergency call; and means fordropping said subsequent emergency call when a correlation isestablished between said subsequent current location and said firstprank emergency call.
 12. The apparatus for detecting a prank emergencycall according to claim 11, wherein: said physical prank call databaseis further queried for an additional correlation between a unique globalidentifier and said given wireless device; and said subsequent emergencycall is dropped when said correlation and said additional correlationtogether indicate a likelihood of said subsequent emergency call being aprank.
 13. The apparatus for detecting a prank emergency call accordingto claim 11, further comprising: means for expiring said report of saidprank emergency call after a predetermined period of time.
 14. Theapparatus for detecting a prank emergency call according to claim 11,wherein: said given wireless device is identified in said physical prankcall database with a unique global identifier.
 15. The apparatus fordetecting a prank emergency call according to claim 11, wherein: saidgiven wireless device is identified in said physical prank call databasewith an automatic number identification (ANI) service.
 16. The apparatusfor detecting a prank emergency call according to claim 11, wherein:said given wireless device is identified in said physical prank calldatabase with an mobile subscriber identification number (MSIN).
 17. Theapparatus for detecting a prank emergency call according to claim 11,further comprising: means for storing emergency call data pertaining tosaid prank emergency call in said prank call database.
 18. The apparatusfor detecting a prank emergency call according to claim 14, furthercomprising: means for assigning said unique global identifier to saidprank emergency call at a 911 call server.
 19. The apparatus fordetecting a prank emergency call according to claim 11, furthercomprising: said prank emergency call is a voice call.
 20. The apparatusfor detecting a prank emergency call according to claim 11, wherein:said given wireless device is not subscribed to a wireless carrier.